Influence of altered O2 tension on substrate metabolism in perfused rat lung

Effects of hypoxia (1.5 h) on glucose and palmitate metabolism were investigated in perfused lungs from normal rats and rats exposed for 24 h to hypobaric conditions (simulated altitude of 24,000 ft). Hypoxic lungs were ventilated with 5% O2-5% CO2 and control lungs with 21% O2-5% CO2. Blood gases and pH remained stable during the 1.5-h perfusion period. Exposure of normal rat lungs to 1.5 h of in vitro hypoxia (blood Po2=34 mmHg) significantly increased lactate production and mean arterial pulmonary pressure, but did not alter glucose uptake, pyruvate levels, and oxidation of either [U-14C]glucose or [1-14C]palmitate to CO2. Incorporation of labeled glucose and palmitate into lung lipids was also unaltered. In contrast to normal lungs, prior exposure to hypoxia for 24 h and subsequent perfusion under hypoxic conditions significantly stimulated glucose uptake (74% increase), markedly increased glucose incorporation into lung lipids, and increased oxidation of glucose to CO2. Lactate/pyruvate ratios also showed a significant 38% increase. Lung glycogen was unchanged following 24 h hypoxia. These data indicate that adaptive changes occur in metabolic processes within the lung during acute changes in O2 tension.